MAC 24/7 Bar and Restaurant wanted to make sure that all of its guests felt truly special on Valentine’s Day, so executive chef James Aptakin created a menu fit for the occasion and the Waikiki restaurant held a photo contest, which ran before the big day.

After countless photo submissions, MAC 24/7 had a winner for tonight’s Valentine’s Day dinner. The couple will dine in the gazebo and enjoy a secluded romantic experience, indulge in Chef Aptakin’s prix-fixe menu and be served by Hilton Waikiki Beach’s manager Erich Smith. The Valentine’s Day Dinner also will be available to all restaurant guests from 5 to 10 p.m. and only is $39 per person. Reservations still are available and walk-ins are welcome.

With breakfast, lunch and dinner served all hours of the day, MAC 24/7 has become a go-to spot for both tourists and locals alike. When asked about the success of MAC 24/7, food and beverage coordinator Mark Turina says, “There aren’t a lot of places that are open 24 hours, and not many that serve quality food like we do.”

Surf and turf (part of valentine’s day dinner; $39 per person)

The mix of great food, good drinks and late hours (even the bar is open till 4 a.m. every day) has been a winning combination for the restaurant. The establishment strives to remain available, accessible and approachable to customers by never closing its doors and serving unforgettable food.

DINING AWAY

Chef Aptakin’s Valentine’s Day Dinner prix-fixe menu includes courses such as Kahuku prawns with Okinawan sweet potato mash and sweet ginger chili oil drizzle. There also is a surf-and-turf selection for the main course, featuring demiyaki-glazed short rib, Big Island poached lobster tail and Kahuku corn and coconut flan. For dessert, dig into a flourless Waialua chocolate torte with white-chocolate raspberry glaze. And, to really top off the evening, MAC 24/7 prepares a take-home portion of whipped cream.